Soups & Salads

Soupe de Courge Musquée à la Pomme

Apple Butternut Squash Soup

Is apple and butternut squash picking on your list of fun-fall-foliage activities? Then you’ll want to create this nutritious and delicious recipe from our French healthy homestyle menu to yours.

INGREDIENTS

1 medium apple

1 medium butternut squash

1 clove fresh garlic crushed

1 red onion chopped

1 green onion chopped

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup white wine, Chardonnay

1/2 cup calvados or cognac

1 small branch of fresh sage

2 sprigs of fresh thyme leaves

sea salt & pepper to taste

1 quart chicken stock

dollop of crème fraîche per serving

fresh parsley chopped to garnish

PREPARATION

•• Peel and dice the apple and butternut squash. •• In a large cast iron dutch oven style pot, combine the apple, butternut squash, garlic, red and green onions. •• Cook over a medium-low heat and then introduce the butter, cooking the mixture until it becomes a soft and golden sauce. ••Déglacerthe pot by adding both white wine and calvados. •• Stirring often and gently, add fresh sage, thyme, sea salt and pepper to taste. •• Let it reduce. •• Add the chicken stock and a little water, if needed to arrive at the equivalent of the butternut mixture. •• Cover the pot and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes over a medium-low heat. •• Once the mixture is completely softened allow it to cool for 5 minutes, removing the herb branches. •• Using a hand-held blender, mix until smooth. •• Serve with a dollop of thick crème fraîche or butter and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. ••

•• Délicieux ••

And don’t forget the warm and crusty bread and butter!

Bouillon de Légumes

Vegetable Stock

SAVE THE SCRAPS FOR STOCK

Whether you’re whipping up a soup, stew, sauce or risotto, there is nothing that beats having your own homemade vegetable stock on hand. With a little advance planning and some up-cycling of unused portions of vegetables, you can create a nutrient-rich base for use in any stock. So instead of tossing away those carrot root ends or left over Brussels sprouts, save these veggie bits and pieces in a container or bag and store for future use in the freezer. This no-nonsense recipe is perfect for getting a jump on your upcoming entertaining and holiday gatherings!

INGREDIENTS

1 onion

3 carrots

4 celery stalks

1/2 fennel bulb

4 sprigs fresh thyme

1/2 bouquet fresh parsley

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon whole peppercorns

2 tablespoons of olive oil

SUGGESTIONS FOR UP-CYCLED INGREDIENTS

leeks – particularly the green portions

Brussels sprouts – leaves and bulbs

fennel – including the feathery leaves

carrots – root ends and tips

yellow squash

zucchini

PREPARATION

•• Thoroughly wash all of the fresh and up-cycled vegetables. •• Rough chop, as necessary. •• Using a large enameled stockpot, mix the vegetables with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. •• Over a low heat, allow the vegetables to sweat (reduce) for approximately 10-15 minutes. •• This process softens the vegetables and also brings forth the flavors. ••

•• Add enough water to entirely cover the vegetables, noting that additional water levels will dilute the flavors. •• Lay the herbs on top of the water and cover with a lid. •• Bring the mixture up to a slow boil then reduce your heat to low and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour.•• Taste test for readiness. ••

•• Place the stockpot on a stable and heat resistant surface and remove all of the vegetables and herbs with a slotted spoon. •• Set your strainer (preferably a chinois strainer) over a large bowl and pour the liquid through.•• For a clearer consistency, place a sheet of cheese cloth over the strainer and then pour the stock through. ••

•• Divide the stock into airtight storage containersand allow to completely cool before refrigerating or freezing. •• Store the stock in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. ••

Sliced Cucumbers in Crème Fraîche with Fresh Chive

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

•• Using a vegetable peeler, remove the outer skin from the cucumber, exposing the flesh.•• Cut the cucumber into small rounded slices of approximately 1/8 of an inch. ••

•• In a large mixing bowl, combine the container of créme fraîche with 2 tbsp of whole milk. •• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Using a small wire whisk, blend the ingredients to an even and creamy consistency. ••

•• Add the sliced cucumbers and toss to coat. Arrange on a serving platter and sprinkle with finely cut chives. ••